Muscle Quality and Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue in the Rectus Femoris and Rectus Abdominis Muscles: Ultrasound Evaluation and Functional Correlation in Older Adults

University of Salamanca

Status: Not yet enrolling

Conditions: Obesity; Sarcopenia; Ultrasound

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07069777

USalamancaOSRFRA

Details and patient eligibility

About

The goal of this observational, cross-sectional study is to examine the relationship between body composition and muscle quality in women over the afe of 65. The main question it aims to answer is:

How are ultrasound-based measurements of muscle and fat tissue related to functional performance in older women?

Full description

In this observational and cross-sectional study, researchers will use ultrasound imaging and physical performance tests to evaluate muscle thickness, subcutaneous fat thickness, abdominal circumference, handgrip strength, and functional performance. These measurements will help identify muscle and fat distribution profiles associated with higher functional risk in older adults.

This study aims to contribute to the understanding of sarcopenic obesity and muscle quality in aging, with the ultimate goal of improving preventive physiotherapy strategies and promoting healthy aging.

Enrollment: 150 estimated patients

Sex: Female

Ages: 65+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Aged ≥ 65 years and living in the community.
• Female sex.
• Enrolled as a participant in PReGe program.

Exclusion criteria

• Recent surgery (<6 months) involving the abdomen or lower extremities.
• Presence of methal prostheses or implants in the thigh or abdoinal region.
• Diagnosed neuromuscular disease (e.g., myopathies, advanced Parkinson's disease.)
• Musculoskeletal disorders that impair basic mobility or prevent functional testing.
• Acute illness or clinical decompensation at the time of assessment.
• Unintentional weight loss > 5 kg within the past month (suggestive of cachexia risk).
• Presence of active abdominal hernias or severe diastasis recti.

Trial design

150 participants in 4 patient groups

Obesity with low strenght

Description:

BMI \>30 and/or waist circumference of 88 cm or more and grip strength \<16 kg.

Obesity with normal strength

Description:

BMI \>30 and/or waist circumference of 88 cm or more and grip strength \>16 kg.

Non-obesity with normal strength.

Description:

BMI \<30 and/or waist circumference less than 88 cm and grip strength \>16 kg.

Non-obesity with low strength.

Description:

BMI \<30 and/or waist circumference less than 88 cm and grip strength \<16 kg.